BPS celebrates the opening of 'The Coaling Jetty'

The Coaling Jetty, a historic Grade II*-listed jetty located on the River Thames in front of Battersea Power Station, will open to the public for the first time in history tomorrow. To celebrate the launch of one of London’s most unique riverside spots, Battersea Power Station will be hosting a ‘Summer Garden Party’ on the water for all to enjoy this August.

The 110 metre long Coaling Jetty was constructed between 1929 and 1932 and serviced the Power Station in the loading and unloading of coal until it was decommissioned in 1983. Playing an important role in the overall masterplan for Battersea Power Station, it will be an extension of the riverwalk at Circus West Village, the first phase in the regeneration, which opened to the public in 2017.

Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), said:

“We are really excited to be opening the historic Coaling Jetty and transforming it into a unique, flexible space for everyone to enjoy. I’m sure it will play an exciting role in attracting people here this summer and beyond from the local area and across London to enjoy everything we have to offer at Battersea Power Station.

“It will anchor this new riverside destination with a mixed offering of shops, restaurants, bars and event spaces, opening up a previously inaccessible area and forming part of this new neighbourhood for the capital.”

BPSDC have worked in close partnership with Historic England and Wandsworth Council to open The Coaling Jetty to the public.

Wandsworth Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Jonathan Cook said:

“The Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station provides our residents and visitors with a fantastic viewpoint along the Nine Elms waterfront, highlighting the scale of urban development here in Wandsworth.

“This achievement is in line with the Council’s efforts and investment across the borough to join up the Thames river path and open up new public spaces, bringing this growing part of central London to life.”

Until the advent of the railways in 1838, Battersea fed and flowered the capital. The area was renowned for its bundles of asparagus and bountiful lavender, as well as wild flowers and herbs such as mint and chamomile, which were collected and dried by apothecaries to be turned into medicine. Inspired by Battersea’s rich agricultural past, The Coaling Jetty will offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in an enchanting riverside garden whilst soaking up the sun, views of Battersea Power Station and the River Thames. With eye-catching wildflower planters, statement seating and beautiful festoon lighting, the ‘Summer Garden Party’ is the perfect place to relax with friends and family this August.

‘Summer Garden Party’ activities include:

The ‘Summer Garden Party’ on The Coaling Jetty is a must visit for parents looking for ways to keep their children busy and entertained throughout the school holidays. With free face painting on 3rd and 4th August and family friendly games and crafts from kids’ favourites Sharky & George every Saturday between 3rd – 24th August, there’s plenty of family fun to be had.

Live music including ‘Jazz Lates’ every Thursday, DJ sets on Fridays and performances from Busk in London, the world’s largest street performance initiative, on Saturdays and Sundays, will bring party vibes throughout August.

A riverside wellness retreat awaits visitors on weekend mornings with Pilates PT classes every Saturday between 10th – 31st August and OyoGo Yoga every Sunday between 11th August – 1st September. For more information on class times, prices and how to book, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk/gardenparty.

Circus West Village’s diverse selection of restaurants and bars will be popping up on The Coaling Jetty, offering special summer cocktails and delicious culinary treats in the riverside garden. Vagabond, one of the UK’s first urban wineries, will also be hosting English winemaking classes as part of the ‘Summer Garden Party’ line up on 24th and 31st August.

Following a successful launch in May, the River Walk Market, an independent market at the foot of the iconic Battersea Power Station, is now open on both Saturdays and Sundays and will complement the ‘Summer Garden Party’ offering. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with the delicious street food, sweets and desserts, artisan bread, cured meats and farmhouse cheeses on offer. The market’s arts and crafts stalls are also the perfect spot to pick up gifts for friends and family.

Carlin Fier, Head of Brand at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:

“With its prominent position on the River Thames and backdrop of the iconic Battersea Power Station, The Coaling Jetty provides a rare setting to create our ‘Summer Garden Party’ this year.

“We’re delighted that Circus West Village is quickly becoming one of London’s most exciting riverside destinations. The line-up of live music, morning wellness sessions, family activities and summer food and drink pop-ups will build on this, offering visitors the perfect oasis on the water to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.”

The first phase of the wider Battersea Power Station redevelopment, Circus West Village, is already open with more than a thousand residents living here and over two million people having visited the variety of restaurants, shops, bars and leisure facilities that have opened in the last year.

Once open to the public in 2021, the Power Station will be connected by a new Zone 1 London Underground station on the Northern Line and the Thames Clippers River Bus, which has been running since 2017.